Family selected for Colborne's first Habitat for Humanity home

Family moved to tears over homeownership

Family selected for Colborne's first Habitat for Humanity home

Karen Longwell / Northumberland

COLBORNE -- Brandie and Peter Smith, seen here at Cramahe Township Hall, were selected to purchase the 2013 Habitat for Humanity Colborne home. It is the first Habitat build in the community. January 22, 2013

The couple, along with their two children ages five and two, and two boys from a previous relationship, ages 17 and 10, will soon be homeowners of the first Habitat for Humanity build in Colborne, said Meaghan Macdonald, executive director for Habitat for Humanity Northumberland.

"We never thought we'd have our own home," said Ms. Smith, fighting back tears at the announcement on Jan. 22.

A Habitat for Humanity's Family Selection Committee member called the Smiths just before Christmas and said they had been chosen as a Habitat partner family.

We never thought we have our own home. - Brandie S

"I started crying," said Ms. Smith on receiving the news. "It's really emotional."

They will purchase the home, scheduled to be built in Colborne, said Ms. Macdonald. Mortgage payments are set at 25 per cent of gross income and a down payment of 500 volunteer hours must be completed by the family, she added. Mr. Smith said he heard about the Habitat build when his youngest son brought home a pamphlet from school. The Smiths have rented in Colborne for eight years, he said.

The Smiths have started working on their down payment through volunteer work at e-waste days and will start soon at the ReStore, said Mr. Smith.

In early 2012 Cramahe Township agreed to donate a lot in the Colborne Creek subdivision to Habitat for Humanity to build a three-bedroom home, said Ms. Macdonald. The ground-breaking will start, weather permitting, this spring, she added.

Cramahe Township Mayor Marc Coombs said council is very excited about the project.

"I am a strong believer in a hand up rather than a hand out philosophy," he said.

He believes many people in the community will be empowered by getting involved in helping out with the build.

There are two stages in the project -- the fundraising campaign to raise $75,000 to build the home and the second stage, the construction of the home. There is an information night scheduled for Feb. 13 at the Keeler Centre for those interested in learning more about the project.